How to become a speech and language therapy assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to get into this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Employment Skills for the Care Sector
- Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
- Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare Support Services
- Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
Most health and social care courses include work placements so this could be a good way of getting experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
Apprenticeship
You can do an intermediate healthcare support worker apprenticeship, an advanced apprenticeship as a senior healthcare support worker or a higher healthcare assistant practitioner apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Work
You could start as a healthcare assistant and move into speech and language therapy assistant work, through further training and promotion.
Volunteering
Employers look for relevant work experience so it would be an advantage if you have worked or volunteered in a health or social care role.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.
You may also find relevant volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some of the relevant skills and experience needed for this role.
There are no set requirements but you'll usually need good literacy and numeracy skills, some employers may ask for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
You may also need a qualification in healthcare or health and social care.
More Information
Career tips
When applying for jobs and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapy assistant from Health Careers.